Chapter 186: I Have the Right to Be Proud—Do You?

"Get him!!!"

Yu Tianxin's eyes widened in frustration. He was not willing to surrender.

If they admitted defeat now, wouldn't Thunderclap Academy become the laughingstock of Shrek Academy, with Tang San leading the charge in mocking them?

Seeing Yu Tianxin's reaction, Tang San smirked ever so slightly.

This was exactly what he wanted.

Having Ye Hao single-handedly defeat all seven of Thunderclap Academy's members would humiliate them completely, and in the process, it would allow Tang San to observe Ye Hao in action.

After all, Tang San knew very little about Ye Hao's true strength or hidden trump cards.

And now, with Thunderclap Academy acting as the test subjects, why wouldn't he take advantage of the situation?

Meanwhile, over at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team seating area, Yu Tianheng watched his cousin's performance and let out a deep sigh.

It was clear why the elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had chosen him as the successor. The old dragon's judgment was as sharp as ever.

"Now this is getting fun!" Ye Hao grinned, preparing for battle once more.

And then…

"Next."

"Next."

"Next."

Ye Hao was bored out of his mind.

The next three challengers were nothing but Soul Elders, their soul power barely reaching levels 37 or 38. They didn't even last a single move against him.

Was this really all Thunderclap Academy had to offer?

In just a few short moments, Ye Hao had knocked out three more opponents using only the dull side of his scythe.

It wasn't that Thunderclap Academy was weak—it was simply that these three students were only at the Soul Elder rank. Their lack of strength was to be expected.

With six opponents down, only one remained. If Ye Hao defeated the last fighter, he would complete a one-versus-seven sweep!

"Yu Tianxin, you're up."

Ye Hao smirked, pointing his scythe at Yu Tianxin, issuing a direct challenge.

At that moment, all eyes turned to Yu Tianxin.

Ye Hao's intentions were clear—he wanted to complete the sweep.

Now, it all depended on Thunderclap Academy's response.

Yu Tianxin's face was pale, his fists clenched in frustration.

His plan had been to use a war of attrition to wear Ye Hao down before stepping in to clean up the fight himself.

But things had gone even worse than he expected.

"I..."

He wanted to speak.

He wanted to say I surrender.

But all around him, students were whispering.

They were calling him a coward.

They were saying he didn't dare accept Ye Hao's challenge.

Even the most mild-tempered person would feel the urge to lash out after hearing such words.

Gritting his teeth, Yu Tianxin stepped onto the arena.

Lightning crackled around him as blue dragon scales covered his arms.

"Ye Hao, today I'll see just how strong you really are!"

With those words, Yu Tianxin completed his Martial Soul Possession. His arms were fully dragonized, his muscles swelled with power, and behind him, the silhouette of a raging Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon appeared.

The sky darkened, shrouded in ominous storm clouds.

"Now this is more like it!" Ye Hao nodded in approval.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had a unique ability. Typically, their Martial Soul would start fully manifesting at level 30, with each new soul ring awakening another dragonized trait—dragon claws, dragon wings, dragon legs, dragon horns, dragon scales.

Yu Tianxin had already developed two sets of dragon claws, much like Yu Tianheng.

But Ye Hao was all too familiar with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.

He knew exactly how to handle it.

Yu Tianxin's four soul rings rose beneath him, and his dragon-clawed hands crackled with lightning as he lunged at Ye Hao.

Pride.

Ye Hao saw pride in Yu Tianxin's eyes.

The pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.

As the bearers of the world's most powerful beast-type Martial Soul, they had every right to be proud.

Thunderous blue lightning wrapped around Yu Tianxin's claws as he launched a ferocious assault, attacking Ye Hao with reckless abandon.

Electricity crackled wildly, spreading across the battlefield in all directions.

Yu Tianxin had gone all out.

"You're too slow!"

Ye Hao roared, suddenly vanishing from sight.

Before Yu Tianxin could react, he was struck from behind and sent sprawling to the ground.

But he wasn't willing to give up.

He scrambled back to his feet, eyes burning with frustration.

His third soul ring flared—

"Third Soul Skill: Wrath of the Thunder God!"

With an explosion of power, Yu Tianxin's lightning force doubled.

His soul power doubled.

Blue lightning turned into violet-blue, intensifying in strength. His claws grew even larger, and his entire body became encased in lightning armor.

Behind him, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon let out a deafening roar.

The terrifying aura of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was in full display.

A Martial Soul of supreme power. A presence of absolute dominance.

Even the spectators were awed.

For the first time, many saw Yu Tianxin in a different light.

His attack reached its peak. His massive, violet-blue claws came crashing down on Ye Hao.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon roared.

But Ye Hao had already disappeared.

Yu Tianxin's claws hit nothing but the ground, leaving a burnt dragon claw imprint.

Seeing this, Yu Tianxin shouted in frustration, "Ye Hao, die!"

Lightning surged as he charged forward, fists raised high.

The sky darkened further. Bolts of lightning rained down, feeding into his attacks.

But Ye Hao simply frowned.

Raising his right hand, dark purple-black Death Spider Emperor Poison coiled around his palm, twisting and writhing.

At the moment of impact, the deadly poison and Yu Tianxin's lightning clashed, entangling with each other.

Ye Hao remained calm and composed.

Yu Tianxin, however, staggered.

A dizzy spell struck him.

A tiny amount of Death Spider Emperor Poison had seeped into his system. It wasn't enough to kill him—just enough to weaken him.

Ye Hao smirked.

In an instant, he grabbed Yu Tianxin by the throat and slammed him into the ground.

"You… you cheated!" Yu Tianxin gasped, furious.

Ye Hao chuckled, unfazed.

"My Martial Soul is the Death Spider Emperor. I didn't even use its poison on you until now—that was already giving face to Yu Tianheng. If I had activated my Death Domain from the start, you wouldn't have survived more than a few breaths."

He tightened his grip slightly.

"Surrender?"

Yu Tianxin struggled.

"N-no… never…!"

He refused to accept defeat. He thrashed and writhed, but it was pointless.

"Why bother?" Ye Hao sighed.

"Compared to Yu Tianheng, you're a joke. You both come from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but you're worlds apart. He's younger than you, but his soul power surpasses yours. More importantly, he stays calm in a crisis, unlike you. When faced with ridicule, he thinks before acting. But you? You let your emotions control you."

The truth was undeniable.

And at that moment—Yu Tianxin knew he had lost.

"Just based on this alone, you're not as good as Yu Tianheng."

Ye Hao's words deeply pierced Yu Tianxin's heart.

Yes, both he and Yu Tianheng came from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, both regarded as rising stars with great expectations placed upon them. Among the younger generation, he and Yu Tianheng were the most valued. Their strengths were nearly equal, but because Yu Tianheng was a few years younger, he received greater attention from the clan.

Especially when Yu Tianheng was officially chosen as the next clan leader, Yu Tianxin felt completely stunned. Why? In what way was he inferior?

To prove that he was stronger than Yu Tianheng and to show the sect his worth, Yu Tianxin had decided to crush Yu Tianheng in this tournament to prove that he was not weaker.

Now, after finally getting the chance, he was about to lose. The unwillingness in his heart burned fiercely.

His gaze stiffly turned toward Yu Tianheng, who was seated in the audience. In that instant, Yu Tianxin's entire body surged with lightning, and a dragon's roar echoed through the arena.

Seeing this, Ye Hao felt a surge of excitement and deliberately loosened his grip.

Yu Tianxin seized the opportunity, breaking free from Ye Hao's restraint. His eyes gleamed with intense lightning, and Ye Hao's words had hit him so hard that, in this critical moment, his strength surged.

"Now this is getting interesting," Ye Hao murmured, as the fifth soul ring beneath his feet lit up.

"Fifth Soul Skill—Death Slash Rift!"

This was Ye Hao's strongest soul skill to date and also the one he had used most frequently. Its existence was undoubtedly the nightmare of every participant in this tournament.

"You must give it your all!"

All eyes in the arena were locked on the match, their breaths held in anticipation. There was only one thought in their minds—

Defeat Ye Hao!

That was what Yu Tianxin wanted. That was also the wish of most of the audience. Even if Thunderclap Academy lost today, as long as Ye Hao was defeated, they would still be victorious in spirit.

Surrounded by countless hostile glares, Ye Hao had unknowingly made many enemies.

But he didn't care. He had already made plenty of enemies—what difference did a few more make?

"Ye Hao, this is the strongest attack of my life! Take it head-on!"

Yu Tianxin raised both hands above his head. Instantly, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and countless bolts of lightning slithered like thunderous serpents, churning within the stormy clouds. He was absorbing the power of lightning, using it in combination with his third soul skill, bringing his strength almost to par with Ye Hao's.

Then, his fourth soul ring lit up.

"Fourth Soul Skill—Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Charge!"

Yu Tianxin transformed into a small, dazzling blue dragon, his body surrounded by crackling electricity. With murderous intent, he charged straight at Ye Hao.

"Death Domain," Ye Hao said calmly.

In an instant, a layer of black light burst forth, and his eyes turned jet-black. The Death Domain rapidly expanded, swiftly spreading to every corner of the battlefield.

Within the Death Domain, Yu Tianxin clearly felt himself weakening. He shook his head vigorously, his eyes fixed on Ye Hao with unwavering determination.

As Yu Tianxin controlled the Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Charge to strike at Ye Hao, a black barrier suddenly formed in front of him, originating from Ye Hao's body.

His fourth soul skill—Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Charge—was completely nullified!

Yu Tianxin was in disbelief.

At the same time, the Death Spider Emperor's poison rapidly corroded his body. His vision darkened, and before Ye Hao could even make another move, he collapsed.

Seeing this, Ye Hao quickly withdrew the Death Spider Emperor's poison and used his demonic scythe to make a precise cut on Yu Tianxin's right hand, drawing back the poison from his body.

"Referee, you can announce the match results now," Ye Hao said indifferently.

The referee swallowed nervously. Due to Ye Hao's Death Domain, he had hesitated to step onto the stage. Only after confirming that the field was no longer affected did he cautiously approach.

After checking Yu Tianxin's condition and confirming he was unharmed, the referee immediately declared:

"Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team Two versus Thunderclap Academy—Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team Two wins!"

Unlike previous matches, there was no cheering from the victorious team. The silence in the arena was eerie. The morale of the other teams plummeted, and many students even started doubting themselves.

They were all human, so why was the gap between them and Ye Hao so vast?

The members of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team Two were used to this already. Scattered applause echoed faintly, coming from their side.

With Ye Hao's incredible one-against-seven victory, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team Two had officially advanced to the knockout rounds, earning their place in the Spirit City competition.

At that stage, they would compete under the name "Royal Battle Team."

The preliminary and qualifying matches were just warm-ups—now the real battle was about to begin.

"Winning one-against-seven was too easy," Ye Hao said nonchalantly, stretching his limbs as he broke the heavy silence.

"Damn it! He's too arrogant!"

The fourteen remaining teams were helpless. They had no choice but to acknowledge Ye Hao's dominance. His one-against-seven feat had shocked the entire arena, ensuring his name would be recorded in tournament history.

"Hmm…"

Ye Hao paced around the arena, his gaze sweeping over each team. Who would be his next one-against-seven target?

Then, he stopped in front of Shrek Academy.

"Decision made."

Ye Hao narrowed his eyes slightly, his hands clasped behind his back, staring seriously at the Shrek Academy team, who were glaring at him with murderous intent.

"Shrek Academy—you're my next one-against-seven target!"

As soon as he said this, the entire arena erupted in an uproar.

"No way! I can't take this anymore! Who does he think he is?!"

"Shrek Academy, beat him up for us!"

"Count me in!"

"Me too!"

"Me plus 10,086!!!"

Perhaps fueled by the overwhelming support from all the students present, the Shrek Academy team suddenly felt their blood boil. Their fighting spirit surged, and the exhaustion they had felt before vanished. Now, they stared at Ye Hao, their eyes burning with fury, ready to take him down.

"Ye Hao, we accept your challenge!" The one speaking was Dai Mubai. As the captain of Shrek Academy, he accepted Ye Hao's challenge.

"Ye Hao, aren't you afraid of biting your own tongue with such big talk? Get ready to face your first defeat! Shrek Academy will surely crush you and make you a laughingstock!" Ma Hongjun shouted arrogantly.

"I will personally... kill you!" Xiao Wu muttered through gritted teeth, her voice soft yet filled with deep hatred. Too many Soft Bone Rabbits had been slaughtered recently, and as a hundred-thousand-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit herself, Xiao Wu's hatred for Ye Hao had nearly surpassed even that for Bibi Dong.

Ye Hao, however, remained indifferent to Xiao Wu's deadly threat.

"Alright, then I will personally kill you in return," Ye Hao transmitted his voice using soul power.

Hearing this, the rabbit's body immediately tensed up, and she instinctively hid behind Tang San, trembling all over.

Without hesitation, Tang San pointed his finger at Ye Hao and shouted, "Ye Hao, you will pay the price! Whether it's for our teachers, our headmaster, or any one of us that you've harmed—"

"I will make you pay personally!"

Ye Hao let out a cold laugh, showing no concern. "Tang San, if anyone is talking big here, it's you all. Don't think I don't know how you became a Soul King."

"You…" Tang San was momentarily stunned.

"What a waste of your talent. Truly a pity," Ye Hao sighed mockingly, clicking his tongue at Tang San in disdain.

"Ye Hao, you better be ready for a good beating!" Ma Hongjun sneered, already thinking of ways to get back at him.

"You damn fatty, you'd better pray that you aren't among the seven facing me. Otherwise, I'll make sure you can't even take care of yourself afterward. I, Ye Hao, swear to make it happen!" Ye Hao declared sternly, directing his aggression toward Ma Hongjun.

Instantly, Ma Hongjun felt a chill run down his spine. Cold sweat dripped from his back as he trembled and quickly hid behind Flender, making faces at Ye Hao like he didn't understand the meaning of "death."

"In that case, Ye Hao, I hope you're ready!" Tang San spoke coldly, his tone filled with icy determination.

"Shrek Academy is no pushover. Sometimes, when a person is too arrogant, disaster is bound to follow!"

Ye Hao snorted dismissively. "So what if I'm arrogant? Is it a crime to be confident?"

"If I have the right to be proud, why shouldn't I be?"

"Oh?"

"I just remembered… I have the qualifications to be proud, while you do not. Your entire Shrek Academy does not."

"You—!"

Everyone was left speechless, burning with silent fury.

What Ye Hao said was undeniable—it was simply the truth.

"I have no interest in dealing with you all any further. Enjoy your last days of freedom because your death is near," Tang San whispered.

"I will personally make sure you die by my hands!"

His hateful gaze had already driven him into madness.

Seeing this, Ye Hao simply nodded calmly. "I'll be waiting. You'd better pray you can reach your destination in one piece."

Hearing this, Tang San was momentarily taken aback. "Wait!"

"Explain yourself clearly!" Tang San demanded loudly.

"..."

Ye Hao said nothing. Without looking back, he walked off the stage. Before leaving, he even raised his middle finger, further enraging Shrek Academy.

As Ye Hao left, Xue Qinghe slowly rose to his feet. His gaze swept across Shrek Academy with a complicated look, a trace of killing intent flickering in his eyes before he silently departed.

The moment Ye Hao was gone, Ma Hongjun was the first to speak.

"What the hell is he acting all high and mighty for! Third Brother, you're confident you can defeat Ye Hao, right?"

"..."

Tang San remained silent, an inexplicable sense of unease rising in his heart.

"Damn it!" He gritted his teeth, then glanced at Ma Hongjun and suddenly smiled.

"Fatty, didn't you say you wanted to take down Ye Hao?"

"I'll let you go first. How about that?"